The Moonah Art Centre opened its new building on the weekend and the inaugural exhibition Stand Back is for children.

The title Stand Back relates to the notion that we can gain a different reading from something if we step back and change our point of view. This exhibition features 13 contemporary artists from across the state. As young people are the primary audience, elements relating to their visual literacy development such as colour, shape and patterns features heavily.

This exhibition also introduces children to the many forms that contemporary art can be, with new media, painting, mix media, recycled materials and sculpture, as well as art work that makes you look up or down. Works are hung at a lower line of sight and labels are written in simple, accessible way.

To support this exhibition there is also a free catalogue that contains 13 Art Cards - one per artist. We encourage parents and educators to use these cards, as it includes activities that you can use at home or in the classroom to do in response to the artwork featured. Attached to this notice is a PDF version of this resource.

This exhibition is part of the Tasmanian International Arts Festival (10 Days), and includes a free artist and curator talk at 2pm on Saturday, 21 March. We encourage anyone with an interest in arts education and audience development to attend.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Arts Officer Sean Kelly at the Moonah Art Centre, on 6214 7633. We encourage schools to ring and advise us if you are visiting, and Sean Kelly can make himself available to greet you and the students.

We would also like to encourage you to let your families know about this exhibition.